Disqualification papers served on Batad mayoral bet
The first disqualification raps filed before the Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) here has officially taken off with comebacking Batad mayor Salvacion "Inday Vacion" Cuenca-Militar served the disqualification papers yesterday.
In a six-paged Petition docketed as SPA PES No. A-07-003, disqualification of Militar was sought by the camp of contender Elvira "Little" Panes-Alarcon citing grounds for Special Disqualification under Batasang Pambansa 52.
Forming part of the evidence against Militar are government issued documents that showed terminal leave benefits granted back in March 2000. Militar ended her term as former mayor of Batad in June of 1998 and processed thereafter her retirement benefits.
The News Today (TNT) obtained confirmation of a Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) check no. 19349 issued in favor of Militar for terminal leave benefits amounting to P153,220.67 dated March 20, 2000.
Vouchers and similar papers such as request for obligation of allotment were also attached as additional evidence including a certificate from the town's accountant that similar and all pertinent remunerations were granted to the former town executive.
BP 52 provides specific condition that prohibits retired elective officials from seeking same post in the event of full grant of retirement benefits.
In Iloilo City, former mayor Mansueto "Mansing" Malabor decided to forego of his mayoralty plan and instead run for the congressional seat after having been told of the existing BP 52 law.
As a matter of procedure, the Provincial Election Supervisor will accept and validate the disqualification complaint. A recommendation will then be submitted to the Law Department the Comelec Central Office in Manila where resolution of the case is also expected.
Alarcon is the candidate of the ruling Lakas-CMD party while Militar is with the local opposition Ugyon of re-electionist Governor Niel Tupas.